Diverticulosis and diverticulitis Quiz: Ace Your Exams

A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain. The patient reports dull, cramping pain primarily over his left abdomen for the past three days. He additionally reports several episodes of non-bloody diarrhea, fevers, and chronic constipation. He was seen by his primary care physician for his symptoms and was given a course of antibiotics, but his symptoms have persisted. He reports an episode of diarrhea this morning. His past medical history is significant for hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. His surgical history is notable for a cholecystectomy at age 44. His temperature is 37.9°C (100.2°F), pulse is 98/min, respirations are 18/min and blood pressure is 162/94 mmHg. Physical examination shows a non-distended abdomen with tenderness to palpation in the left lower quadrant with rebound and guarding. Laboratory results show an elevated leukocyte count. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of this disease process?